Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido but don’t know what to do in Asahikawa? We stopped there during our Hokkaido road trip and spent a full day exploring the city’s essentials. In this guide, we share the best discoveries we made – local culture, nature, great food and experiences you won’t want to miss.
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Where is Asahikawa and why is it worth visiting?
Asahikawa is located in central Hokkaido and is the island’s second largest city. It’s not one of those cities full of tourist attractions, but it serves perfectly as a base for exploring the surrounding areas like Daisetsuzan National Park or the Biei region. If you’re taking a road trip through Hokkaido, Asahikawa makes a good stop – accessible, practical and with some pleasant surprises.
When to visit Asahikawa: Climate and best time of year
We visited in May, and it was a great time – mild temperatures, many sakura still in bloom, and fewer tourists. If you’re looking for snow, winter is famous for ice festivals and proximity to ski resorts. For flowers, spring and summer are ideal, especially June and July when lavender fields and other flowers begin to color Hokkaido.
Is it worth staying in Asahikawa?
Yes, especially if you’re planning to explore the surrounding areas. The city has good accommodation and restaurant options, and since it’s right in the middle of the island, it makes a strategic point on a longer trip. If you need hotel suggestions, see our article about where to stay in Asahikawa.
What to do in Asahikawa in one day
If you only have one day in the city, these are our must-stop places:
- Try sake at Otokoyama Sake Museum – Admission to the museum is free, and you can do a small tasting (unless you’re the driver – in Japan it’s zero alcohol when driving). The museum is small but interesting, and has a shop with various types of sake to take home.
- Relax at Tokiwa Park – A very pleasant urban park, ideal for a break or picnic. In May, we caught the cherry blossoms and some tulips in bloom – it was magical. In summer, other flowers color the space.
- Discover Ramen Village (Asahikawa Ramen Village) – Did you know Asahikawa is famous for its soy sauce and pork fat ramen? Here you can try different versions in one place. It’s a delicious and authentic experience.
- Walk along Heiwa Dōri Shopping Park – This is the city’s main pedestrian street, with shops, cafes and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for feeling the city’s rhythm and doing some local shopping.
- Visit Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art – A museum that’s small but well curated, with modern Japanese art and temporary exhibitions.
- Try the local coffee – If you like coffee, you’ll love exploring the local scene. We really enjoyed Lampstand and Coffee Stand Container – both spaces are very welcoming, with good coffee and something to eat too.
Travel tips for Asahikawa
- If traveling by car, book a hotel with included parking. Paid parking in the city can be expensive and hard to find near downtown.
- Use an IC card like Pasmo or Suica if using public transport – it makes getting around much easier and can be used in other Hokkaido cities.
- Dress in layers, especially outside summer. The weather changes quite a bit during the day, even in spring. The temperature variation during our visit was huge – 20°C (68°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Asahikawa
How many days are enough to visit Asahikawa?
One day is enough to see Asahikawa’s main sights. If you want to explore surrounding areas like Biei or Daisetsuzan National Park, we recommend staying at least two nights.
Is Asahikawa a good base to explore Hokkaido?
Yes, it’s well located in the center of the island with good transport links and accommodation options, making it a convenient base for road trips.
Is it possible to visit Asahikawa in winter?
Yes, winter in Asahikawa is cold but beautiful, with snow festivals and winter activities in nearby mountains. Bring appropriate clothing for the intense cold.
